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It’s something you probably won’t notice until you see the 2014 Mini Cooper Hardtop in person — but the pint-sized British two-door has grown quite a bit. In fact, the 2014 Cooper’s new dimensions dominated discussions when it was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show. Compared to its predecessor, the 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop is 4.5 inches longer (add 0.8 inches for the S model), 1.7 inches wider, and 0.3 inches taller. Many of the familiar design cues remain, but there are a few notable changes that we’ll outline below.

For starters, the grille has grown significantly in an attempt to mimic the look of classic Minis. The headlights are also bigger, and higher-trim models can be had with full LED units. Cooper S models continue to feature an air scoop on the hood. The side view is almost indistinguishable from the outgoing model. The lower edge of the doors features a deep and subtle crease, while black plastic body cladding is still used on the lower edges of the fenders and rocker panels. Mini slightly revised the front fender vents and will offer new wheel designs.

Up top, the Mini can still be had with a contrast color roof and the plethora of decal stripes and other patterns should also carryover. The outgoing model had a relatively long, roof-mounted plastic antenna, which has been replaced by a sleeker shark fin-style unit for the 2014 model. Larger and more vertical taillights dominate the rear end, while the Cooper S gets a revised rear spoiler featuring a slight dip in the middle.

There are significant changes inside, too. For starters, Mini has ditched the airplane toggle-style switches for the power windows. Now, the 2015 Cooper Hardtop gets traditional window switches found on the door panel. Toggle switches are still found on the center stack and overhead to control items like reading lights. Materials have improved and wood accent trim is available as an option. The large plate-sized speedometer (or optional infotainment screen) still dominates the center stack, and Mini has revised the gauges mounted above the steering wheel. Look closely and you’ll notice the Cooper’s new head-up display.

What do you think of the new 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop? Is it still Mini enough or has it grown up a bit too much? Sound off below.

The previous edition of Refreshing or Revolting featured the 2015 Subaru WRX.Kvnceleste said, “the exterior styling of the 2015 is better than the outgoing model,” while BlackDS noted the WRX’s “clean and purposeful” sheetmetal. A few wished for more aggressive styling including projectbrembo, who felt that the WRX styling is “bland… even with those fender flares and hood scoops.”